Cindybelle's Bella Notte TR COMPLETE!! - UPDATED 10/19 With Prices! About This Page:

[chezp]

I love the night-time and evening shots, especially as we were only visiting Firenze on a day-trip from the Disney Med cruise. Whenever we go back (and we will - be it on our own, or with fellow PassPorters ) we'll definitely ensure we get to explore the city at twilight and at night.

[DrDolphin]

Cindy thanks so much for this TR - it is bringing back wonderful memories of my trip to the Med in 2007 - esp of the Duomo, David and Florence!!

Add me to the list of Passporters that want to return to Italy!!!

[Sandra Bostwick]

The bridge with the buildings on it were so interesting!

[cindybelle]

Firenze is known for its leather goods, so we walked past many such shops. Then, on our way to our prepaid reservations for the Uffizi Gallery (where we spent 3 blissful hours -- it's the largest collection of Italian paintings in the world -- fabulous; no photography allowed), a handbag gave me the from a doorway. I stopped and gasped, "Rick, you have to remember where we are, because I must come back here!"

Of course, the shop owner immediately came forward and gave me a business card. When we returned later, Robbie and I both spent more $$$ on handbags than we've ever spent before. The next day, I got someone at our B&B to take a couple of photos as Robbie and I "modeled" our new, made-in-Firenze, leather handbags. Observe:



Aren't we too, too fabu for words!




Of course, we took advantage of our B&B's rooftop terrace throughout our stay. One afternoon, we went to Mercate Centrale to purchase fresh cheese, meat, and bread and took it "home" for a picnic on the roof.

Even though we didn't speak the language, the butcher had no trouble comparing hand gestures -- how much meat/cheese we wanted, etc. It was a lot of fun to shop that way.












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[goofysdtr]

Love the purses! I can see how they would call out to you.

[mcc0313]

Wonderful updates, from the statues to the Churches, even the picnic lunches on the roof, it all sounds devine (yes I am fantasizing about Italy now). Your pictures are wonderful....

This one is so beautiful - simple, perfectly set, the colors, the lighting - definitely postcard material

[cindybelle]

Rick delighted in having us take different routes to/from our B&B and just see where the little roads would take us. This city is so walkable that you really can't get lost -- you always find your way back, because so many streets open into each other.

During our strolls, we would stop to take quick photos of architectural details -- doors, windows, decorations on corners of buildings, spires, etc. I could devote the entire TR to these, but here are a few of my favorite details.











Churcha-churcha!





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[cindybelle]

I can certainly understand why architectural students flock to Firenze. Such beauty everywhere!

[cindybelle]

Whoops -- I didn't mean to send that last message without more photos in it.










Of course, I took photos of every water feature I could. I this one:






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[skateycat]

love the bags...wow, so great and such detail. of course i could say the same about all the architectural features you have shared with us. simply astounding....

[OhToodles!]

Thanks for explaining your logic on how you chose what to wear. We have traveled to Paris, Munich, & Berlin and I carried all my things in 2 backpacks so i wouldn't ahve to check my luggage. We definitely weren't dressed as nice as you all were most the time, but I think we were ok for the places we went. I tried to make all my shirts plain, but must admit I wore some bright colors. Plus we went for the World Cup (soccer) so we traveled to games and of course dressed in jerseys and shorts for those occasions.

Glad you could get by without knowing the language - great to here from both you & Cheryl.

I love all your pictures and I loved the story about getting meat, cheese, and bread. Reminds me of our first meal in Paris - at a local deli where we did basically the same thing - point. But that was the BEST salami sandwich ever!!

We will definitely have to get together so I can see all your fabulous pictures!

[Colexis Mom]

More great updates and pictures!

[DrDolphin]

Wonderful updates Cindy!! I love the photos of all the architectural details. It brings back wonderful memories of Florence - and your photos of the Ponte Veccechio are lovely!

[lauriep]

Beautiful photos of Florence. The handbags are beautiful! I have some amazing antique mosaic earrings from a stroll across the bridge in 1968.

[chezp]

More wonderful updates - the photos of the buildings bring back such wonderful memories. It is such a stunning city. I love the bags as well.